BATTLE Class

radar picket destroyer

Starting in 1960, four ships of this class were modernized and converted
to radar pickets. A new radar fit was added, along with new AA gun armament
and Seacat missiles- the original AA guns and torpedo tubes were removed.
The interior layout of these ships was heavily altered, to improve crew comfort
and to provide for a new operations centre. All four ships were on the disposal
list by 1970.

AGINCOURT, during or prior to the
early 1950s. MOD photo, courtesy of John Read.

AGINCOURT. To the right of the shore crane can be seen the short lattice
mast mounting the Type 978 height finding radar. Aft of this is the MRS8 director
for Seacat, and below and aft of this is the Seacat launcher itself.
M.D. Thomas photo.

A close-up forward port quarter view of AGINCOURT. The two 4.5" twin mounts
are shown forward of the bridge. Other points of interest are the Type 965
AKE-2 "double bedstead" radar antenna atop the main mast, with the Type 293
antenna just below it. The Mk.37 director was retained through the radar-picket
refits, as was the open bridge. M.D. Thomas photo.

CORUNNA
this time, showing to better effect the Type 293 radar antenna mounted just
below that of the Type 965 AKE-2. M.D. Thomas photo.